Not Sure How I Feel About New Business Model...

[tannedsilk]

One thing that bugs me...didn't they start making bags in Vietnam or some other generally undesirable (for handbags) country? And now they are trying to hide those made in tags as well. I think if they made their expensive bags in a country other than China that it would upset some people. I mean, some LV lovers have a dang fit if their bag is not made in France (I prefer USA, but oh well).
Idk...some of this I like, and some I don't. I can understand most of it, but other points have me scratching my head wondering how they will pull it off.

They have made bags both in the past and presently all over the place, as long as the quality is good I don't see what difference it makes. The manufacturing costs of making bags in 'desirable' places come at a premium. Most companies value their product by the price the consumer is willing to pay. Where a lot of people would love a made in USA Coach, the majority will not support the higher price tag it will require.

 

[tonij2000]

One thing that bugs me...didn't they start making bags in Vietnam or some other generally undesirable (for handbags) country? And now they are trying to hide those made in tags as well. I think if they made their expensive bags in a country other than China that it would upset some people. I mean, some LV lovers have a dang fit if their bag is not made in France (I prefer USA, but oh well).
Idk...some of this I like, and some I don't. I can understand most of it, but other points have me scratching my head wondering how they will pull it off.

I know right?! I'm sure there will be some changes as we've seen already and I'm anxious to see the fp bags of the near future.

 

[tonij2000]

One thing that bugs me...didn't they start making bags in Vietnam or some other generally undesirable (for handbags) country? And now they are trying to hide those made in tags as well. I think if they made their expensive bags in a country other than China that it would upset some people. I mean, some LV lovers have a dang fit if their bag is not made in France (I prefer USA, but oh well).
Idk...some of this I like, and some I don't. I can understand most of it, but other points have me scratching my head wondering how they will pull it off.

They have made bags both in the past and presently all over the place, as long as the quality is good I don't see what difference it makes. The manufacturing costs of making bags in 'desirable' places come at a premium. Most companies value their product by the price the consumer is willing to pay. Where a lot of people would love a made in USA Coach, the majority will not support the higher price tag it will require.

It seems like a lot of people still have the al misconception about a "made in Italy" label. They don't know (I guess they don't) that the same mass production factory in China also exists in Italy. The days of 4th and 5th generation leather craftsmen working effortlessly to transform leather and thread into a beautiful bag are long gone, especially with mass produced items, LV et al included.

 

[tannedsilk]

It seems like a lot of people still have the al misconception about a "made in Italy" label. They don't know (I guess they don't) that the same mass production factory in China also exists in Italy. The days of 4th and 5th generation leather craftsmen working effortlessly to transform leather and thread into a beautiful bag are long gone, especially with mass produced items, LV et al included.

You better preach!

Or that it was made in China, sent to Italy to have the handle attached and the made in Italy label added!

I'll say it again people will not like the price tag attached to bags made in 'desirable' locations. Funny I remember when China was less than desirable, thought it still was for some. Give me my made in China with a reasonable price point any day of the week.

 

[NurseAnn]

I was at the outlet a couple of days ago, and there were almost no signature bags there. Some of the new leather bags were roughly the same price as the old coated canvas siggies they used to sell, so they're still appealing to the outlet shopper's price point. I think this particular change is a change for the better.

I'm also down with keeping styles around for longer. It gives the brand sight recognition. And I hate feeling like I have to order something within the first 15 minutes it comes online or I'm out of luck.

The coupons were getting out of control. I think it's a smart move to make them more rare, but not stop them altogether.

I don't believe limiting boutiques to 1K bags is going to work. I'm all for bringing up the brand, but not over their reliable customer's heads. $400 seems like the magic price limit I'm seeing in this thread, and Coach would be wise to listen.

I agree with everything you said. I am loving the new MFF bags.

 

[SophieChic]

I agree

Coach cannot just declare themselves a player at the $1,000 price point after years of catering to outlet buyers who want 65% discounts of $400 bags. They have devalued their brand by sending all their bags to the outlet. They have also devalued their brand with their quality issues.

In my opinion it will be very difficult for them to repair their image and position themselves as an upscale brand.

+1!!!!

I could not have said it better myself.

 

[melissatrv]

I don't know about anyone else but I would pay more for a Made in the US product. I know that not everyone from this board is from the US but they may feel similar about products made in their own country that provide jobs to people living there.

 

[melissatrv]

I returned a bag from another brand and they just quietly took it in the backroom. I am sure they did so to inspect it even thought it still had tags on etc. But I was fine with that.

But a lot of people do return used bags. Even members on here have admitted to doing it. How does the SA know you're one of the honest ones? I for one think they should inspect returns thoroughly. A bunch of people on here have ordered online and received "new" bags that had clearly been used.

 

[melissatrv]

I am in the same boat. I was not a Poppy fan but bought Kristin and Madison and a few others in between like Parker. I have seen bags that I like just ok and contemplate buying but when it comes to it I don't love it enough to pull the trigger. I have not bought a Coach bag from the boutique since October and it was only 1 bag. I recently received a $12k windfall but there is nothing tempting me enough to buy. So I have been buying other brands. It is very sad because I used buy 3-4 bags every season + accessories <sigh>. If you are not a Legacy fan your Coach options are limited unless you like larger bags, the Madisons they have lately are on the larger side (Lily, Lindsey). Carrie is ok but there has not been one in a color or texture yet that I have fallen for.

With regards to the outlets and MFF, I agree that they have come up in quality etc. And lately I have been liking the MFF styles more than FP but I still won't spend more than $200 on a MFF bag, that is my limit. And as others have said I like to keep my FP purchases between $300-$600 per bag

Doesn't bother me either. Coach has been less and less appealing to me in the last few years. Bags are boring, old lady styles. I miss the old Poppy line. They used to have fun, collectible key fobs. All gone. There are TONS of other brands to choose from. If they want to be in the $1000 range thats too bad. For that money I'd rather get LV.

Come on, lol! You think every Coach bag is a "boring, old lady style?" Not one recent or current bag is attractive to you?

 

[tonij2000]

Loving the new mff daisy line accessories!

 

[mzmir]

I have definitely noticed this at the outlet. My store has been strict since it opened, but they are better about this. Or they are better at hiding it!

Sad part is, they DO profile per race.

The other one I've been to has been fine. Much much better. I guess because it's out of the city

 

[ltbag]

I have definitely noticed this at the outlet.

Noticed what? What is the "this" you noticed?

 

[mzmir]

Noticed what? What is the "this" you noticed?

Strict returns. I saw another others had mentioned that they had the bags taken to the back for inspection. Now the manager comes up every time and process the return. Of course with pressing you a little on why you're returning.

Before it was bad too, but at least I only had to deal with the associate.

Also when I've purchase, they make an effort to ask WHY I'm buying the bag.
I guess it's conversation, but it seems like a question in disguise imo....

It's interesting because I usually only buy one or two...

It was pretty bad when I wanted to return a defective bag. Had the bag less then 4 days and the stitching come unraveled! Switched it out for a new one (after much arguing) but the same thing happened to the 2nd bag.

 

[tannedsilk]

Funny this thread should come back to life............

 

[whateve]

Funny this thread should come back to life............

It's not that old.

I wanted to comment on returns. Whenever I return, they always ask me why, and the reason I have is never one of their choices so they always put "changed mind." I have returned items because the color didn't look anything like the drilldown, because the shoes didn't fit, because the FOS picture didn't show the bag had a separating zipper, and because the poor packaging caused the handles to make dents in the bag. It bothers me that no one at JAX is going to find out the real reason I returned so they can take action to make sure it doesn't happen again. They probably just think I change my mind a lot.